Plant explosions increase need for blood donations

From LifeShare Blood Centers

Several victims from the plant explosion near Baton Rouge are currently using blood. LifeShare is the blood supplier to Baton Rouge General, which is now treating eight victims, five confirmed with burn wounds.

At this time, LifeShare Blood Centers has provided all O negative red blood cells and platelets available in the LifeShare Baton Rouge center. Area hospitals have requested more blood, as treatment for these victims continues and the extent is still unknown.

LifeShare is currently transporting blood components from Alexandria, La. and Shreveport, La. to support the medical needs, as a result of this explosion. Additionally, several other patients are using large amounts of A positive plasma, and O negative and O positive red blood cells.

Due to the increased demand for blood, LifeShare is asking for more donors to refill the supply being used. Once donated, it will take at least 24 hours before the blood is available for patient use. It is also important to have blood available in the coming days and weeks; therefore, LifeShare is also scheduling donation appointments.

LifeShare has opened its Baton Rouge center, at 3849 North Blvd., today until 4:30p.m.

It will be open tomorrow from 8am-4:30pm.

Also, the following mobile blood drives are being conducted this weekend:

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